Communicable Diseases: Description, Symptoms and Prevention

1. Dengue Fever
Description
Dengue (pronounced DENgee) fever is a painful, debilitating mosquito-borne
disease caused by any one of four closely related dengue viruses. These viruses
are related to the viruses that cause West Nile infection and yellow fever.
An estimated 390 dengue infections occur worldwide each year, with about 96
million resulting in illness. Most cases occur in tropical areas of the world, with
the greatest risk occurring in:
The Indian subcontinent
Southeast Asia
Southern China
Taiwan
The Pacific Islands
The Caribbean (except Cuba and the Cayman Islands)
Mexico
Africa
Central and South America (except Chile, Paraguay, and Argentina)
Most cases in the United States occur in people who contracted the infection
while traveling abroad. But the risk is increasing for people living along the
Texas-Mexico border and in other parts of the southern United States. In 2009,
an outbreak of dengue fever was identified in Key West, Fla.
Dengue
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fever is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with a

virus. The mosquito becomes infected when it bites a person with
virus in their blood. It cant be spread directly from one person to
person.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Symptoms, which usually begin four to six days after infection and last for up to
10 days, may include
Sudden, high fever
Severe headaches
Pain behind the eyes
Severe joint and muscle pain

Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Skin rash, which appears two to five days after the onset of fever
Mild bleeding (such a nose bleed, bleeding gums, or easy bruising)
Sometimes, symptoms are mild and can be mistaken for those of the flu or
another viral infection. Younger children and people who have never had the
infection before tend to have milder cases than older children and adults.
However, serious problems can develop. These include dengue hemorrhagic
fever, a rare complication characterized by high fever, damage to lymph and
blood vessels, bleeding from the nose and gums, enlargement of the liver, and
failure of the circulatory system. The symptoms may progress to massive
bleeding, shock, and death. This is called dengue shock syndrome (DSS).
People with weakened immune systems as well as those with a second or
subsequent dengue infection are believed to be at greater risk for developing
dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Preventing Dengue Fever
There is no vaccine to prevent dengue fever. The best way to prevent the disease
is to prevent bites by infected mosquitoes, particularly if you are living in or
traveling to a tropical area. This involves protecting yourself and making efforts
to keep the mosquito population down.
To protect yourself:
Stay away from heavily populated residential areas, if possible.
Use mosquito repellents, even indoors.
When outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks.
When indoors, use air conditioning if available.
Make sure window and door screens are secure and free of holes. If sleeping
areas are not screened or air conditioned, use mosquito nets.
If you have symptoms of dengue, speak to your doctor.
To reduce the mosquito population, get rid of places where mosquitoes can
breed. These include old tires, cans, or flower pots that collect rain. Regularly
change the water in outdoor bird baths and pets' water dishes.
If someone in your home gets dengue fever, be especially vigilant about efforts to
protect yourself and other family members from mosquitoes. Mosquitoes that
bite the infected family member could spread the infection to others in your
home.

2. Leptospirosis
Description of Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a rare and severe infection that occurs when you come in
contact with Leptospira bacteria. Alternative Names : Weil disease;
Icterohemorrhagic fever; Swineherd's disease; Rice-field fever; Cane-cutter fever;
Swamp fever; Mud fever; Hemorrhagic jaundice; Stuttgart disease; Canicola
fever.
The Leptospira bacteria can be found in fresh water that has been
contaminated by animal urine. The infection occurs in warmer climates.
It is not spread from person to person, except in very rare cases when it is
spread through breast milk or from a mother to her unborn child.
Risk factors include:
Occupational exposure -- farmers, ranchers, slaughterhouse workers, trappers,
veterinarians, loggers, sewer workers, rice field workers, and military personnel
Recreational activities -- fresh water swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and trail
biking in warm areas
Household exposure -- pet dogs, domesticated livestock, rainwater catchment
systems, and infected rodents
Symptoms of Leptospirosis
Symptoms can take 2 - 26 days (average 10 days) to develop, and may include:
Dry cough
Fever
Headache
Muscle pain
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Shaking chills
Less common symptoms include:
Abdominal pain
Abnormal lung sounds
Bone pain
Conjunctivitis
Enlarged lymph glands
Enlarged spleen or liver
Joint aches
Muscle rigidity
Muscle tenderness
Skin rash
Sore throat

Prevention of Leptospirosis
Avoid areas of stagnant water, especially in tropical climates. If you are exposed
to a high risk area, taking doxycycline or amoxicillin may decrease your risk of
developing this disease.

3. Chickenpox
Description of Chickenpox
Chickenpox (varicella), a viral illness characterized by a very itchy red rash, is
one of the most common infectious diseases of childhood. It is usually mild in
children but there is a risk of serious complications, such as bacterial
pneumonia. People who have had chickenpox almost always develop lifetime
immunity (meaning you are extremely unlikely to get it again). However, the
virus remains dormant in the body and it can reactivate later in life and cause
shingles.
Symptoms of Chickenpox
Chickenpox appears as a very itchy rash that spreads from the torso to the
neck, face and limbs. Lasting seven to 10 days, the rash progresses from red
bumps to fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) that drain and scab over. Vesicles may
also appear in the mouth, on the scalp, around the eyes or on the genitals and
can be very painful.
This cycle repeats itself in new areas of the body until finally, after about two
weeks, all of the sores have healed. The disease is contagious until all the spots
have dried up. Unfortunately, the virus is also contagious for at least one day
before the rash breaks out.
Prevention of Chickenpox
Chickenpox is extremely contagious. Keep your child at home until all of the
blisters have burst and crusted over.

Most cases of chickenpox require little or no treatment beyond treating the

symptoms.
The prescription antiviral drug aciclovir is effective for shortening the duration
of chickenpox symptoms and may be recommended for certain people with
chickenpox, such as pregnant women, those with a weakened immune system,
and adults who seek medical advice within 24 hours of the rash appearing.
In addition, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter painkillers and an
antihistamine to relieve pain, itching and swelling. Antibiotics are called for if a
secondary bacterial skin infection arises or if the person with chickenpox
develops bacterial pneumonia.

4. Measles
Description of Measles
Measles is a viral illness caused by the rubeola virus that is spread through
coughs and sneezes.
Symptoms of measles
The symptoms of measles include:
Spotty red/brown rash
Fever
Cough/cold-like symptoms
Greyish white spots in the mouth and throat
The measles rash develops two to four days after the onset of illness, starting
with the face and head and spreading down the body.
If the measles virus infects the lungs, it can cause pneumonia. Some children
infected with the virus suffer from encephalitis (inflammation of the brain),
which can cause seizures and permanent brain damage.
Prevention of Measles

Protection against measles as well as mumps and rubella is given in the MMR
vaccine at 13 months and then a booster between the ages of three and five. If
you are an adult who has not had the vaccination or the diseases, it may be
important for you to receive the MMR vaccination too.
Women planning to become pregnant who have not been vaccinated should talk
to their GP as the jab cannot be given during pregnancy.
Measles during pregnancy can harm the unborn baby.
The number of children given the MMR vaccine dipped after a now-discredited
study in the Lancet in 1998 linked the jab with autism and bowel disease. The
research paper was retracted by the medical journal and the doctor behind the
research was struck off. However, confidence in the MMR vaccine is taking time
to return and some groups of children are growing up never having had measles
protection.

5. Pediculosis
Description of Pediculosis
A sesame seed-size parasite that feeds on human blood, the head louse
(Pediculus humanus capitis) is a nuisance known around the world. These tiny
insects infest human hair and can also sometimes be found in the eyebrows and
eyelashes.
An estimated 6 million to 12 million head lice infestations occur each year in
the United States among children ages 3 to 11, according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While school-age kids are believed to be
those most commonly affected by lice, it's possible for people of any age to
become infested with these flightless pests.
Symptoms of Pediculosis
Some people with lice never realize they're infested. However, there are several
telltale signs that the bugs are present on the scalp, according to the Mayo
Clinic. These include:

A ticklish feeling on the scalp or neck.

An itchy scalp (the result of an allergic reaction to the bug's saliva).
Small red bumps on the scalp, neck and shoulders.
The presence of lice on the scalp.
The presence of nits (lice eggs) on shafts of hair.
Difficulty sleeping, which can lead to irritability.
Some people with lice may also develop sores on their scalp. Such sores are
likely the result of bacteria from the person's own body infecting an opening in
the skin made by scratching
Prevention of Pediculosis
Once a case of head lice is confirmed, the best way to prevent spread is to
thoroughly treat and get rid of the head lice. Avoiding head-to-head contact as
much as possible will also help curb an infestation. Although a less-frequent
cause of spread, lice can travel from one person to another via shared clothing
and accessories, such as hats, brushes and hair accessories. People with lice
should avoid sharing these items with others, and should also avoid sharing a
bed with siblings or friends. Though rare, lice can spread from person to person
through infested upholstery or bed linens.
Once a person is treated for lice, all bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets,
hairbrushes and other items that had direct contact with that person's scalp
should be thoroughly cleaned. Clothes and bedding can be washed in hot water,
hairbrushes and hair accessories can be boiled, rugs or other non-washable
items can be dry cleaned, and items that can't be washed or dry cleaned can be
stored in airtight containers for several weeks to ensure that live lice and nits do
not survive.
Finally, vacuum carpeted floors and clean all furniture to prevent the spread of
lice to others. Measures such as fumigation are not necessary and should be
avoided.
6. Sore Eyes
Description of Sore Eyes
Sore eyes can affect one or both eyes. The eyes may feel as if a foreign object is
in them, or they may feel tired, heavy, and hard to keep open. A common cause
of sore eyes is conjunctivitis (or pink eye), but the problem can also be caused

by an infection, allergies, too much sun exposure, eye fatigue, or contact lens
wear.
Symptoms of Sore Eyes
You will encounter many different symptoms if you are suffering from sore eyes.
Symptoms generally peak within three or four days and last up to two weeks.
These symptoms include:
Redness of the eyes
Discomfort
Burning
Gritty sensation
Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
Pain
Difficulty opening eyes after sleeping
Eyelids stuck together after sleeping
Watery discharge
Soreness
Runny nose
Sore throat
Lymph glands are sore (lymph glands are your bodys defensive filter, they are
located behind the ears)
Prevention of Sore Eyes
There are many things you can do to prevent sore eyes. Washing your hands
frequently and thoroughly with soap and water is a great start. Avoid touching
your eyes and face when you have not washed your hands. Do not share towels,
eyeglasses, sunglasses, or cosmetics, as this may spread the infection.
If you have had symptoms of sore eyes, and have been using any cosmetics that
are applied to your eyes or in the area of your eye, it is best to discontinue using
these products and discard them. Purchase new cosmetics and wait until the
condition has been treated successfully before resuming use. Disinfect surfaces,
especially common ones such as doorknobs and counters, with diluted bleach
solutions. Bleach is known to kill germs.
Your doctor will probably mention this to you, but be careful that the tips of eye
drop applicators or tubes of ointment do not touch your eyes or eyelashes while
you are using them. This goes for all types of eye drops and ointments, not just
the one your doctor prescribes to you.

If someone close to you is infected, make sure to disinfect and wash all
surfaces, clothes, towels, pillow cases, and anything else that may have come
into contact with that person. If you have other symptoms, it is best to stay
away from others to prevent the spread of infection until the symptoms are
relieved and treatment is successful.
Eat a well-balanced diet to ensure that the rest of your body receives enough
nutrients to function correctly. Drink plenty of water, as this can help to reduce
inflammation. Try your best to get plenty of sleep so your eyes and body are not
tired the next day. Visit your eye doctor once a year or as often as he or she
recommends. Routine eye exams can catch problems during their early stages,
which may help you to avoid sore eyes.